On the contrary, maybe one or two of us are capable of recognising and understanding history in it's totality and as it REALLY happened. Remember, history is NEVER merely isolated events; it's a complicated and lengthy series of events that are not isolated, but intertwined. To view isolated events, without "full" context to "all" concerned, is usually a misread of accurate history.

Deniers of accurate Australian history are everywhere.

Should we ever end up with a separate Australia Day and Reconciliation Day, I would hope that Reconciliation Day be accorded the same official status as Australia Day. The original occupiers of this land deserve no less.

I find sense's Reconciliation Day suggestion to be worthwhile, but I also agree with transky that it should either be one or the other regarding Aust. Day and Reconciliation Day. But like transky I think if we're to have both then they should be equal in importance and recognition. I can't see where anyone's changing history on this topic.

A better title for January 26th would be 'Reconciliation and 'Heritage Day'. Reconcilation and heritage for Australian aborigines and heritage for people proud of their British heritage.

Correction, 'Reconciliation & Heritage Day' should be a day for reconciliation with and for Australian aborigines and a day to celebrate the heritage of not only people of aboriginal and British descent, but the heritage of all other peoples in Australia as well.

Australia become a nation in 1901, but was a colony of Britain. The country had to let go of Empire to move out on it own. I think it is butter to keep the 26th as Australia day when the Europeans come here.

SEPTEMBER 17 IS THE DAY

New Year's Day is a holiday in its own right, and is unsuitable for a national day because there's too much litter and too many hangovers.

Other candidates: The Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900 was passed on July 5, signed by Queen Victoria on July 9, and proclaimed by her on September 17. You can eliminate July 5 and July 9 because it was not yet confirmed that Western Australia was on board. On September 17, it was all stitched up.

Besides, of all the above options, September 17 is the one most likely to have tolerable weather across the country.

Yes, September 17 is also the date of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. But it's not their national day! Besides, any date is bound to clash with something or other. For example, January 26 is Republic Day in India!

If you want a Reconciliation Day, the obvious candidate is May 27 -- the date of the 1967 referendum that included Aboriginal persons in the census.